A very old stray {The Old Fella Story}

[Dixie_Flyer]

Went camping this weekend at a campground on the lake, had not been there for a few years. Once there I began to walk around looking at the different sites when I noticed a very old dog. He just lay there until I got too close then he got up on three legs and hobbled away. Just judging I would say he is at least 11 years old. Well back to my story. The next afternoon he wanders into camp and just sits there looking. He looked so sad, so the wife got a bowl of our dog's food and put it down for him and he came over and ate. He then walked over to our dog and the two of them sniffed each other over and then they lay down together for the rest of the afternoon. That night he disappeared.
The next morning he was back and was a little more receptive of me. I looked at his injured leg and found that half of his rear foot was gone. It had healed and was not causing any problem except that he was walking on the stub that was left with no foot pad which causes him to limp. His front teeth were gone except for one canine tooth and it looked decayed. His eyes were tired looking and showing his age. He spent the rest of the day just laying around looking for a handout and by afternoon the campground host came around and saw him. I enquired about the dog and was told he had been there for three years and that most of the campers were tolerant of him and gave him food.
So what to do? Do you pick him up and bring him home or do you let nature take it course. He can't harm anyone, he has no teeth and he isn't a nuisance unless you don't like dogs, and no one seems to mind him being there. He is gentle and likes other animals as seen by his interaction with our dog. He still would not let me touch him but he would eat from my hand. Enough said, what would you do???

On June 28th 2008 Old Fella passed away of complications caused by bone cancer. Fella spent almost three years with his new family and became the icon of rescued old stray dogs. He will be greatly missed but his foot prints have been left in our hearts forever.

Now Charlie, the ten year old rescued Golden Lab has come to be a part of the continuing Old Fella story. (*Note, Charlie took his journey to Rainbow Bridge unexpectedly September 30, 2008)Suzie continues to charm her way into our hearts with her antics as she has grown from a puppy into a young lady. Togther they will carry on the Old Fella legacy. Come join us in their daily lives and be a part of the best feel good thread in RV.NET history. The legacy lives on.


HIghways Article Puppy Love

Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue

[Dixie_Flyer]

Dashonthedash wrote:

Dixie Flyer wrote:
I just saw a drop dead gorgeous young female German Shepherd at the City dog pound that needs a home right away! I have put a hold on her so she won't be put down and I will have her moved Monday to the Vet's office for a check up then I need to find a forever home for her, anyone interested???

I won't be able to take picture until Monday, let me know...

How old is she? Is she house-broken and/or crate-trained? Does she get along with other dogs?

I don't know much about the dog except that she gets along with other animals. She is full of energy and loves attention...

[SGTJOE]

RogerNCindy wrote:
Just got word from my Parents that their toy poodle Jewel has been missing since Tuesday. She is a rescue, and was rescued at the same time and was living in the same cage as our Katie. They NEVER go outside, as they've been trained to do their business in one place (like cats!), so they have no idea why she went out, or when. Please pray for her safe return.

OK Folks, has this furbaby been found.

[Uppercrust]

That was a great story Gentle spirit.

I hope you can find a home for the young dog. We have saved 2 dogs from being put down and they were only 3 months old, due to overcrowding. Very sad hearing about this.

[Dashonthedash]

Dixie Flyer wrote:
I just saw a drop dead gorgeous young female German Shepherd at the City dog pound that needs a home right away! I have put a hold on her so she won't be put down and I will have her moved Monday to the Vet's office for a check up then I need to find a forever home for her, anyone interested???

I won't be able to take picture until Monday, let me know...

How old is she? Is she house-broken and/or crate-trained? Does she get along with other dogs?

[Gentle_Spirit]

Found this on a website, seems appropriate for this time of year:

I have so much to be thankful for. I have wonderful friends and family, good food on the table and a roof over my head. I'm thankful for kind strangers, good neighbors and the beauty of nature.

But most of all, I am thankful for dogs.


I am thankful for the wake-up call of a cold, wet nose
and for snuggling to keep warm on chilly nights.

I am blessed by the fur that is permanently embedded in everything I own and the stray dog hairs that make their way into my lunch.

I am grateful for having a third of the bed to sleep on
and for getting to use half of the covers
for the tail that wags and the nose that sniffs
for the eyes that gaze longingly at my dinner plate
and for the jaws that destroy all squeakers, but never harm people.

I'm beholden to the "tic, tic, tic" sound of paws on the floor
reminding me that a nail trim is due
and the forgiveness after the dreaded task is done.

I appreciate the barking that tells me a stranger is at the door
and even the barking that warns of potential danger from squirrels and pedestrians.

For endless games of fetch, Frisbee and tug-o-war
for kibble-scented kisses and funky smelling feet
and for coming when called (usually)
for all this, I am glad.

For the excited greeting upon my return, even if I've only been gone for a minute
the sheer glee of puppies to the patience and wisdom of seniors
and the unconditional love and affection, especially on my darkest days
for making me feel as if I am the most special, I am thankful to my dog.

[Gentle_Spirit]

It's so hard for me to think about the wonderful, young dogs being put down all over the country due to the housing crisis. Good for you, Richard taking this German Shepard. My mother loves german shepards and has been talking about getting one....when you send the photos, I'll forward them to her. She lives in Henderson, Nevada, right next to Las Vegas, maybe we could arrange a transport there. The weather is pretty nice there in the winter!

[Dixie_Flyer]

KnLMurakami wrote:
Wow, that's pretty darn sad when you can't even mention Christmas here. I thought that was reserved for our government. Now I am totally loosing heart in basic foundation of who we are as a people.

It's not that you can't mention Christmas on the forum, it just has to be in the correct thread....

[Dixie_Flyer]

I just saw a drop dead gorgeous young female German Shepherd at the City dog pound that needs a home right away! I have put a hold on her so she won't be put down and I will have her moved Monday to the Vet's office for a check up then I need to find a forever home for her, anyone interested???

I won't be able to take picture until Monday, let me know...

[KnLMurakami]

Wow, that's pretty darn sad when you can't even mention Christmas here. I thought that was reserved for our government. Now I am totally loosing heart in basic foundation of who we are as a people.

[Dixie_Flyer]

Let me check with a moderator and see if it is okay to put a Christmas story on the forum. I got a notice one time that the stories were off subject so I haven't put anymore on.

[agteacher]

RE: Could use some good thoughts for the kitties.. UPDATE Pg 2

Jewel and Cassie are home everything went well though I was told Cassie had an attitude she hissed and spit at everyone and wasn`t the sweet little kitten they remember her as (she was raised at the clinic) both just finished therir dinner and are checking out the house . Thank you for the well wishes for the girls:) Sue

[SGTJOE]

Welcome Karen, and that is nice of you to ask about Jewel, I too have wondered, so does anyone know if Jewel has returned?

[karen_Lee]

Hi everyone, IM Karen and Ive been a lurker for a long long time. Decided to join formally. We live in our toyhauler with our 4 little dogs Yochi, Buddy, Saffron and Oscar. Plus 2 cats Ying and Yang who are sisters. I love this category. Im excited to be here for I love the stories and tales that I read. I cry alot with you. Oh btw did Jewel the little dog ever return home to her family? I so hope so.
Yes I want to hear a Christmas story too.

[Dashonthedash]

From GSD Max, I learned confidence, self-assuredness, cheerfulness, and the importance of getting even without getting in trouble.
From shy greyhound Willow, I learned the importance of trust, patience, friendship and a soft bed.
From alpha greyhound Dot, I learned the value of independence, getting the upper paw, and how to get attention by being a Drama Queen (or King).
From GSD Dash, I learned watchfulness, faith, the desire to please and the importance of a good belly rub.
From greyhound Allan, I learned the importance of laughter, a good prank and loving life (I still miss the old clown)
And finally, from sweet greyhound Lily, I learned the importance of a dog head on your lap.

[Gentle_Spirit]

I went out to "my rock" the other day in the wilderness and sat down and thought about things. I realized that I have learned different important things from each dog I've had.

I was afraid of dogs from being attacked twice as a child and when I met my husband, he had a dog. Her name was Bridget.

Bridget taught me about the unconditional love a dog gives and not to be afraid of these gentle souls.
From Brandi, (alpha female) I learned self confidence, independance.
From Baxter, (my babysitter who took care of scared strays), I learned love and nurturing, to put others before myself.
From Wolfie, who was abused and can be shy at times, I learned not to automatically trust everyone (which I usually do) and to be cautious.

All important lessons, thanks to the angels God has sent me to guide me through life. I am so lucky.